Matt Nathanson "Come on Get Higher"

Author of one of my favorite inappropriate jokes, Matt Nathanson established himself as a musical fixture at grocery stores and Walgreens with his 2008 ballad "Come on Get Higher". The catchy song found itself a hit on Adult Contemporary, Top 40 and even Alternative radio.

(the joke, btw, is "what's the difference between jam and jelly? I can't jelly my c0ck up your @ss!")

Enya "Caribbean Blue"

You would NEVER expect to hear New Age artist Enya on an Alternative radio station, yet that actually happened. The Irish musician whose music is synonymous with a massage parlor soundtrack, actually hit #3 on the Alternative Chart with "Caribbean Blue" in 1991.

Counting Crows "Mr. Jones"

So many albums from my formidable high school years turn 25 this year. One such is August & Everything After from Counting Crows. The album introduced the world to "Mr. Jones" late in 1993. The angst-filled alternative song is all about the internal struggles of band's lead singer, Adam Duritz, who just wanted to believe that if he was a big star...girls would like him. Despite being the band's biggest hit and signature song, nowadays Duritz rarely performs the song at his concerts.

Better Than Ezra "Good"

How did you spend the final months of summer vacation before going away for college? In my case, those waning days of carefree young adulthood included many late nights driving around Northwest Indiana with a late-night run to Dunkin Donuts. Chicago's Alternative Station, Q101, accompanied us on most car rides and always seemed to be playing "Good" from Better Than Ezra.

Jesus Jones "Right Here, Right Now"

No '90s playlist is complete without the Jesus Jones hit "Right Here, Right Now". You likely know the bulk of the lyrics to this catchy song and for good reason.  The song hit #1 on the Alternative Chart and went all the way to #2 on the Hot 100 in 1991.

U2 "With or Without You"

Despite the fact U2 has sold tens of millions of albums and has a lead singer who is universally loved for his voice and his philanthropic efforts, U2 rarely found success on the Adult Contemporary Chart.  "With or Without You", for example, only managed to peak at #23 in 1987.

The Cranberries - "Dreams"

My brain will always associate "Dreams" from The Cranberries with My So-Called Life.  An episode of the short-lived teen drama that starred a young (and seemingly always depressed) Clare Danes featured this song.